Washington Technology Magnet School
Family Newsletter February 2021
Message from Principal Bonnick
Hello Wonderful Washington Families,
Welcome to a new month and to a new semester! I hope that today finds you and your family well. Our February Newsletter contains information about many events and resources that are available for Washington Students and Families.
As Semester 2 begins please make sure to encourage your student to attend classes online each day. Please look over your student's grades with them and encourage them to complete assignments. If you are interested in learning more about how to use Schoology or Campus we have technology classes for families and have one on one help available through our Technology Coordinator, information about this is below.
Yesterday we learned that the 2-week COVID rate for Ramsey County was under 30 per 10,000, which means that currently we are on target for our onsite support program to start on February 22, 2021. We will be providing more information regarding the specific Washington program to families on Friday February 12, 2021. More information regarding this can be found at https://www.spps.org/WTMS_Messages.
Thank you for sending and trusting us here at Washington with your wonderful children! Have an awesome month! All the best to you and yours.
In Partnership,
Principal Bonnick
Washington Daily Schedule and Weekly Calendars
Washington Athletics
Karen Family Meeting
Washington ONLINE Prospective Family Showcase/Open House
Prospective Family Showcase for students entering grades 6-12
being held ONLINE at spps.org/washington
Thursday February 11, 2021, from 6:00– 7:00 p.m.
*Meet our wonderful teachers
*See our state-of-the-art facilities
*Learn about our incredible programs
*Ask questions
Schoology Technology Support
Schoology is an online Learning Management System that helps you stay informed about
your student’s classes, assignments and grades. You can use Schoology to: View your student’s Courses and Groups, monitor school and course announcements, view your student’s upcoming, current and overdue assignments, and stay involved in your student’s education.
Schoology Technology Help Sessions are being held
Technology Help in Hmong Feb 9 4-5pm https://meet.google.com/jmz-bgxd-igq
Technology Help in English Tues 16 3-4pm http://meet.google.com/qhk-goti-ipz
Technology Help in Spanish Feb 17 4-5pm http://meet.google.com/hoc-hpkp-dmi
Technology Help in Somali Feb 23rd 3-4pm https://meet.google.com/zqa-nayk-vnx
If you have questions about the class please contact Eric Gunderson at eric.gunderson@stpaul.k12.mn.us or call (651) 395-7450
iPad Technology Support
We are offering in person Curbside iPad support at Washington Technology Magnet, Door #3, Noon - 4pm!
The Genie Booth (in person Curbside iPad support ) can provide in person support to assist students and families in making sure their devices are fully functional and ready for use. As long as the device is not physically damaged, we are able to work with you on most any issue related to the functionality of the device. This includes case/keyboard issues, charging concerns, or simply assistance in logging in to apps and/or how to navigate them. If the device is physically damaged and needs replacement, please contact your Foundations teacher or contact Mr. Kurt directly at kurt.schiebel@spps.org
Moving forward, Curbside Support will continue Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Noon - 4pm. We will also have the Virtual Genie Booth open during the same hours, via Google Meet @ washgeniebooth
Watch for an announcement in Late February of an adjustment in hours as on-site in Person support becomes available
High School Grade Change Update and Credit Recovery
Celebrating Black History Month
"When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926, he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis." (Association for the Study of African American Life and History)
Even though the month of February is nationally recognized as “Black History Month,” we realize that the contributions made by Black people are too numerous for their importance to be confined to one month. Black History is History. These resources will help you celebrate Black History in February and throughout the rest of the year.
Free Online Tutoring for Grades 9-12
TutorMe allows students to connect with an expert tutor at any time to get support in current classes. They offer 24/7 online tutoring on 300+ subjects. Student iPad wallpaper has been updated to help inform of this opportunity. TutorMe is an external company and an additional resource alongside school supports, the SPPS Academic Support Center and other student support structures.
How a student logs in to TutorMe (CLEVER) How do students access a Tutor on TutorMe?
Media Center News
News from the Wash Tech Media Center: If you’re looking for audio books, we have the place for you! Check out our collection using the MackinVia App.
Click on a book for a read aloud!
Click on the book covers for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books!
Resources for Families
Free Home Meal Delivery: If you are a Ramsey County resident and have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible to have prepared meals delivered to your home for free. All meals are nutritionally balanced and are prepared by licensed food providers. Some providers offer meal options that accommodate specific dietary restrictions. More information here
Find My Future Interior Design Internship for Grades 9-12 Students
Mini-Class Series, March 15–18 | 3–5 p.m., Open to high school students Grades 9–12
More information can be found at https://dunwoody.edu/findmyfuture/
Genesys Works for students currently in Grade 11
If your Washington Tech 11th grade student is on track to graduate, they may be a great candidate for an exciting paid internship opportunity with Genesys Works!
What is Genesys Works?
Genesys Works is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for students to work in meaningful, paid internships at top Twin Cities corporations. They also provide free college, scholarship, and financial aid assistance during their senior year of high school.
Who are they looking for?
They are seeking students who are interested in having a successful professional career and want to be exposed to a business environment before starting college. While their internships are technology and business focused, they do not require any prior knowledge of technology or business to be a part of the program, Genesys Works will teach participants everything they need to know.For more information and to apply, applications are due March 7, 2021
Summer Internship for Students Interested in Teaching for Grades 11-12 Students
Are you a junior or senior in high school who is interested in a teaching career and looking for a summer job? Breakthrough Twin Cities & Learning Works are looking for students to apply to their intensive 9 week summer Teaching Fellowship residency.
For more information or to apply go to https://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/apply-teacher/. The deadline to apply is February 25th.
Right Track Summer Jobs for Students Ages 14-21
Do you have a student who is looking for a summer job? Right Track St. Paul is hiring! Students will develop their employment skills, build their network, and earn money.
To be eligible for a Right Track job, students must:
-Saint Paul youth ages 14-21 can apply
-Meet income criteria OR have a barrier to employment
Apply online February 1st - February 28th, more information and application
Online ExplorSchool Program For Students In Grades 5 - 7
Spring classes are offered in the afternoon and evening April 12 - May 15. Classes include Advanced Engineering, Food and Cooking Chemistry, Musical Theatre: Spotlight on Acting and Singing, Video Game Design. Scholarships are available. More information can be found online at Minnesota Institute For Talented Youth mity.org
Expand Your Mind (EYM) Program For Students Entering Grades 8 - 12
-Summer Enrichment Program for students in Grades 8-12
-638 STEM, Humanities, and Fine Arts classes designed for bright and motivated learners
-Experience life on Macalester College's beautiful urban campus
-Enjoy a wide range of midday recreational activities with friends
-Full and partial scholarships available
-Online Session June 14 - 25 In-Person Sessions July 12 - July 23 July 26 - August 6
More information can be found online at Minnesota Institute For Talented Youth mity.org
Translation Services
English
All school documents can be translated, or interpreters made available upon request
Spanish
Todos los documentos pueden ser traducidos o interpretados oralmente si usted lo solicita
Hmong
Tej ntaub ntawv tom tsev kawm ntawv uas xa los rau nej, peb yuav pab txhais thiab nrhiav neeg txhais lus rau nej yog nej hais qhia peb
Somali
Dhammaan dukumiintiyada iskuulka waa la turjumi karaa ama waxaa la heli karaa turjumaan haddii la codsado
Karen
Family Engagement
Do you have ideas or suggestions for Washington? If you would like to become more involved at Washington please contact:
Michelle Leba
Family and Community Engagement Coordinator
612-367-6512
Contact Information
If you have questions, please call our school and leave a voicemail. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Phone: 651-293-8830
Interpreter and Translation Services
For more information contact:
Michelle Leba
Family and Community Engagement Coordinator
612-367-6512